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Inside feeders.

Sunday, June 27, 2010.
I installed some Mother Lode brand plastic feeders with caps and ladders.
This is a trial run to see how they work out in my operation.
They are instaled in medium depth supers.
I used my SUREBONDER GLUE GUN, HE-750, to place some glue on the plastic clips. (I had a few that would not stay together.)

Re: Inside feeders.

I use the same one as well. There are a few issues that I have with them. The main issue is that with the cheese board covers I use there is not a rim on them so it is critical that the frame rest be kept clean so the bees have room to access the feeder. Another issue that I have is that some colonies will propolize the ladder screening so filling them becomes difficult. Other than that they work good and are very durable. I've been using them for 2 years now.

Re: Inside feeders.

I also use the medium feeder without the cap and ladder. To make a float, I cut 1 X 2 lathing about an inch shorter than the length of the feeder so it will float all the way to the bottom. It works great. I lose a few (but acceptable) number of bees to drowning. The feeders and, of course, the floats are very durable.

From each according to his ability, to each according to his contribution. Charles Koch

Re: Inside feeders.

does anyone think there is or might be a problem with putting a gallon of water inside a hive, especially spring and fall? i use them too, i just wonder if the added moisture could promote nosema or chalkbrood, or other things that would do well with the added humidity. they do seem to be the best option for feeding.

Re: Inside feeders.

"... they do seem to be the best option for feeding...."
thats because there is a danger of robbing with outside feeders. the downside is they are harder to check/fill (inside). much easier to provide water outside, and little to no advantage putting it inside.
good luck, mike

"Wine is a constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy" Ben Franklin

Re: Inside feeders.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

I refilled the feeders.
I gave them a puff or two of thick cool smoke and had no problem filling the feeders.
BTY:
The medium depth super that the feeder fits into takes the space of two frames and it holds 128 ounces which is one gallon.
The feeders for a deep hold 96 ounces.
So far , I would rate the Mother Lode Products feeder over hive top feeders because the syrup is closer to the cluster.
Thank you for your thoughts and input!
Ernie

Re: Inside feeders.

Now that you have decided to use doolittle feeders, the next decision is where do you install them?
Some beekeepers place them in the last position away from them so that all four feeders on a pallet are together. The advantage there is that when you feed, you just pop the lid and move it towards you 2 inches and fill the feeder with minimal disruption.
When bees are robbing this is a big plus.

I place all of mine to the outside position. Here are the reasons why:

1) I am sure that those that live in colder areas have noticed that bees on a pallet tend to cluster to the center of the pallet in all four hives thus sharing heat. Why would you want to place a feeder directly in their way? Placing it to the outside on the other hand provides a dead air space from the cold.

2)When I am inspecting hives the first thing I do is pull the feeder and set aside. This provides a good view of the next frame.

3) How many hives are lost to starvation even though there are feed frames on the other side of the hive? Armed with the knowledge that the bees will move toward the center of the pallet to share heat, you know where to equalize feed.

I have exactly ONE hive more than you.
That makes my opinion beyond dispute!

Re: Inside feeders.

I bought 10 deep Mother load feeders this spring to try them out. I also installed the cap & ladders. I loved them so much that I have ordered 100 more this week and plan on using these for all of my feeding. Probably will leave it in permantly.